Matthew 28

Matthew 28 describes the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. It begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb and discovering that Jesus has risen. The chapter also recounts the appearance of an angel, Jesus’ encounters with His followers, and the instructions He gives them. It concludes with Jesus commissioning His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to follow His commands.

Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The chapter opens with a dramatic scene: an earthquake and an angel rolling away the stone from Jesus’ tomb. The angel’s message to the women is one of hope and triumph, announcing that Jesus has risen. By inviting them to see the empty tomb and instructing them to tell the disciples, the angel involves them directly in sharing the good news. When Jesus appears to the women, He reassures them and repeats the instruction to meet Him in Galilee, strengthening their faith through this personal encounter.

Matthew 28:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

After Jesus’ resurrection, the guards report the events to the chief priests, who then attempt to cover up the truth with a bribe. This effort to discredit the resurrection highlights the resistance from the religious leaders, even in the face of miraculous events. By spreading a false story about the disciples stealing Jesus' body, they aim to protect their authority and avoid accountability, illustrating the extent of their denial and opposition to Jesus’ message.

Matthew 28:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

The disciples gather in Galilee as Jesus instructed, and upon seeing Him, they respond with worship, though some still experience doubt. This moment reveals the mixed emotions the disciples feel, torn between faith and uncertainty. Jesus' appearance to them directly addresses these doubts, setting the stage for His final words and strengthening their resolve for the mission ahead.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

This verse reveals that God the Father has granted Jesus ultimate authority over all creation, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's reign (e.g., Daniel 7:13-14). It establishes Jesus as the ruler of both the spiritual and physical realms, confirming His role as the risen Lord. This authority underpins the Great Commission that follows, as Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations. His declaration assures believers that their mission is supported by the power and authority of the risen Christ.

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

This directive from Jesus instructs His disciples to teach and baptize in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, an examination of New Testament practices, particularly in Acts, reveals that baptisms were predominantly conducted in the name of Jesus Christ alone. This discrepancy raises questions about whether the apostles misunderstood Jesus' command or whether the text was later modified to reflect Trinitarian biases. The consistent reference to baptism in the name of Jesus across various scriptures suggests an original understanding or practice that differs from the triadic formula present in Matthew 28:19.

The absence of any surviving manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew from the first three centuries after its composition introduces a significant gap between the original text and the earliest available copies. Eusebius of Caesarea, an influential early Church historian often referred to as the "Father of Church History," consistently quoted this verse in the singular form "in my name," indicating that earlier versions of the text might have solely emphasized baptism in the name of Jesus. Additionally, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) noted that the triadic baptismal formula seen in Matthew 28:19 emerged during the second and third centuries within the Roman Church. This acknowledgment suggests that the verse may have evolved to include a Trinitarian concept that was not originally part of the earliest Christian teachings. These factors highlight a scholarly debate regarding the textual integrity and historical authenticity of Matthew 28:19, suggesting that it may reflect later theological interpretations rather than the exact words of Jesus.

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Jesus promises, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," underscores His ongoing presence with His disciples. This promise was fulfilled through the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus received from the Father and later poured out on His disciples on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit, now dwelling within believers, allows Jesus to be omnipresent, not confined to any one location but present everywhere, with and within His disciples. Through the Spirit, Jesus continues to guide, empower, and sustain His followers, ensuring His presence in their lives as they carry out the mission He entrusted to them. This spiritual presence fulfills His promise to be with His disciples "to the end of the age," signifying that, though physically absent, His active, transformative involvement remains ever-present in the lives of His people.